About:
Mike Bennett became Grand Junction’s City Manager on December 1, 2024, bringing with him nearly two decades of leadership experience in local government. Before joining Grand Junction, Mike served as the City Manager of Fruita, Colorado, for nearly ten years, where he helped guide strong community growth and investment. Earlier in his career, he worked in Hickory, North Carolina, serving in multiple leadership roles that gave him a broad perspective on city operations, from transit to administration. In addition to his municipal leadership, Mike has also shared his experience with future leaders as an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Colorado Mesa University.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Utah State University and a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University. He is a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association and serves on the board of the Colorado City/County Management Association. His peers recognized him as Colorado’s City Manager of the Year, a reflection of his commitment to public service and community leadership.
Beyond his professional work, Mike is a husband and father of three who loves spending time outdoors with his family, fly-fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. He believes in leading with purpose, building strong community connections, and finding innovative ways to solve problems. Residents will find in Mike not only a city manager dedicated to good governance and continuous improvement, but also someone who genuinely values people, community, and the future of Grand Junction.